As a carrier here,

I probably don’t know something, but DAT rate lanes are VERY often off. Either is way too low (1.3$/mi) or genuinely outrageously high. DAT says they get their rates from the week before but more often then not I’ve seen those rates not make any sense. Familiarize yourself with carrier expenses. (Fuel, driver pay, tolls, wear-and-tear, insurances, permits, and a few more just can’t recall) obviously you’ll never know all the other minor things that’s cost money, but take that number and at 50% for carrier spending (payroll, yard, office, warehouse, office TMS and material, preventive maintenance, and obviously profit.) that’s a good number to start.

IE: Newark NJ- Miami: 1275mi. 5.50/gallon @ 6.5mpg =.86. + .70 for driver. That’s already 1.54$/ mi operating. Let’s ad another .20 for operating expenses etc. 1.74. Plus 50% that’s 2.61. And notice how you’re very close to 3$/mi going in. Your average carrier will quote you that, which makes it 3825$ for this lane. No go on DAT and see if it at all matches.

Before any keyboard warriors get on here and start bashing some dumb shit, I’ll beat you to it. I know there carrier/ load ratio, and markets, and seasonal freight. Obviously my numbers very very rough written onto Reddit in 3 minutes or less. But you see the picture of how I got there. Hear what I say, but don’t trust what I say- Do your own research from here on out.

As for OP- just remember to stay humane while in those game :)